TrueCredit is a service provided by TransUnion Interactive. It is different from the credit monitoring solution offered by TransUnion in that TrueCredit monitors all three credit bureaus. This service offers a free 30-day trial, and costs $14.95 per month thereafter.
One advantage to TrueCredit is that you can request an updated copy of your Experian and Equifax credit report/score once every 30 days, and can update your TransUnion report/score once per day. When you request these reports from TrueCredit it doesn’t have a negative effect your credit score.
TrueCredit is constantly looking for new features to help consumers monitor their credit report. Recent new features include instant message updates, insurance scores, and a mortgage simulator. Insurance scores is especially interesting in that it allows you to see data used by insurance companies to determine what rate you pay.
Every time you log into your TrueCredit account you will see a “change checker.” This window provides a quick snap-shot of recent activity on your credit report. Even if you never login to the website TrueCredit will send you an email within 24 hours of any key change to your credit report.
On the negative side of things, some TrueCredit customers have reported frustration with spammy emails and affiliate ads after signing up with the credit monitoring service.
TrueCredit is dedicated to helping consumers monitor their credit, but doesn’t offer business solutions.
If you have any questions about products offered by TrueCredit you will have to rely on articles on the website. We were unable to find an email address and the “virtual agent” is exactly that, virtual. The agent is a robot named Jenny and she is easily confused, but she did give us the phone number (which can’t be found anywhere else on the site).
The only benefit we were able to find with TrueCredit that you can’t get with TransUnion is credit monitoring that tracks all three credit bureaus. Such a feature is the mark of a truly comprehensive credit monitoring solution.
For information about how to improve your credit report, look at How to Build a Better Credit Rating and TopTen Tips for Finding a Credit Counselor. If you are looking for help protecting your identity, check out our Identity Theft Protection Services Reviews.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Credit Report.com Review
CreditReport.com claims to be one of the leading providers of credit report and scoring information for consumers. CreditReport.com has served consumers since 1998 and is a registered trademark of Mighty Net, Inc, which is not directly affiliated with any of the three major credit bureaus.
This service is a good solution if you are concerned about identity theft and don’t require additional assistance in monitoring your report for fraud. If you are not familiar with identifying potentially fraudulent items on your credit report we recommend you look at one of our top three contenders in the credit report category as they offer services that watch for such activity.
When you order a 3 credit bureau report and credit score from CreditReport.com you are automatically signed up to receive a 7 day free trial for a credit report and credit score monitoring service. This service costs $14.95 per month if is not canceled during the free trial period.
With the CreditReport.com monitoring service you will receive email alerts if there are any significant changes to your reports or score.
The 3 Bureau Credit Report service provides unlimited online access to the report for 60 days. This doesn’t mean you can generate unlimited reports, but rather you can view and print the initial report as many times as you want.
CreditReport.com also allows you to request a copy of a credit report from a single credit bureau. If you go this route you may choose which of the three bureaus your report comes from. This is not as effective as monitoring all three, but if you just want a quick snapshot it is a good option.
CreditReport.com is not an actual credit bureau which means they are not able to investigate disputes. It is recommended you contact the three credit bureaus if you discover inaccurate information on your credit report.
Identity protection, theft resolution services, and identity theft insurance are not provided by CreditReport.com.
CreditReport.com is dedicated to individual consumers and does not provide services directly to businesses. Also, they are not authorized to provide credit reports to anyone except the consumers, which means businesses can’t use CreditReport.com to request consumer credit reports.
If you have any questions or concerns about services offered by CreditReport.com, you may contact them via telephone or email. There is also a detailed frequently asked questions section available on their website.
CreditReport.com offers inexpensive credit report services to consumers and provides excellent educational material on their website, but they lack business and identity protection solutions.
For information about how to improve your credit report, look at How to Build a Better Credit Rating and TopTen Tips for Finding a Credit Counselor. If you are looking for help protecting your identity, check out our Identity Theft Protection Services Reviews.
Please Note: We did not actually request a credit report, credit score, or credit monitoring services from this company. Review is based on available information, sample reports and experiences with customer service.
This service is a good solution if you are concerned about identity theft and don’t require additional assistance in monitoring your report for fraud. If you are not familiar with identifying potentially fraudulent items on your credit report we recommend you look at one of our top three contenders in the credit report category as they offer services that watch for such activity.
When you order a 3 credit bureau report and credit score from CreditReport.com you are automatically signed up to receive a 7 day free trial for a credit report and credit score monitoring service. This service costs $14.95 per month if is not canceled during the free trial period.
With the CreditReport.com monitoring service you will receive email alerts if there are any significant changes to your reports or score.
The 3 Bureau Credit Report service provides unlimited online access to the report for 60 days. This doesn’t mean you can generate unlimited reports, but rather you can view and print the initial report as many times as you want.
CreditReport.com also allows you to request a copy of a credit report from a single credit bureau. If you go this route you may choose which of the three bureaus your report comes from. This is not as effective as monitoring all three, but if you just want a quick snapshot it is a good option.
CreditReport.com is not an actual credit bureau which means they are not able to investigate disputes. It is recommended you contact the three credit bureaus if you discover inaccurate information on your credit report.
Identity protection, theft resolution services, and identity theft insurance are not provided by CreditReport.com.
CreditReport.com is dedicated to individual consumers and does not provide services directly to businesses. Also, they are not authorized to provide credit reports to anyone except the consumers, which means businesses can’t use CreditReport.com to request consumer credit reports.
If you have any questions or concerns about services offered by CreditReport.com, you may contact them via telephone or email. There is also a detailed frequently asked questions section available on their website.
CreditReport.com offers inexpensive credit report services to consumers and provides excellent educational material on their website, but they lack business and identity protection solutions.
For information about how to improve your credit report, look at How to Build a Better Credit Rating and TopTen Tips for Finding a Credit Counselor. If you are looking for help protecting your identity, check out our Identity Theft Protection Services Reviews.
Please Note: We did not actually request a credit report, credit score, or credit monitoring services from this company. Review is based on available information, sample reports and experiences with customer service.
Credit Monitoring Services
Online credit monitoring services provide consumers with a suite of tools that help you to take proactive action in monitoring your credit report, while protecting your credit and identity information. Monitoring services notify you via email and/or wireless telephone instantly of any changes made to your credit report, which can help you identify fraudulent activity faster, and therefore minimize the negative impact it would have on your credit.
Notifications by Credit Monitoring Services
What types of activity will generate a notification or alert from the credit monitoring services? As a member of such a service, you’ll receive notification whenever your address has been changed, a new account has been opened, or when an existing account has been changed. This is extremely valuable information as you will know immediately if someone is attempting to use your good name to obtain financing. Time is of the essence when dealing with credit and identity fraud, and without credit monitoring services, it could be several months before you are aware of fraudulent activities.
Tips for Improving Credit
Most credit monitoring services also provide a host of tools that allow you to see what your credit score is at the current time, as well as steps you can take to improve it. Since credit scores are used to determine whether or not to extend individuals credit and at what interest rate; it’s important that your score be as high as possible.
Citi’s Credit Monitoring Service provides a very useful credit analyser function that allows members to determine the effects of several types of activities on their credit score. For example, if you’re considering applying for a car loan, you can use the analyser to determine how much of an impact applying will have on your score, as well as what would happen if you obtained the loan or applied and were denied the loan.
You can also use the analyser to view how missing a payment or two might effect your score overall, or determine which activities will raise your score the most and how long it will take. Extremely useful for individuals who are working diligently to improve their credit score, the Citi Credit Monitoring Service with credit analyser takes the guesswork out of improving your credit.
Identity Theft Insurance
Many credit monitoring services offer identity theft insurance programs that will reimburse members of the credit monitoring service up to a certain dollar amount if there are instances of fraud. (This service is not available to individuals living in the state of New York.) Typical expenses that are covered by identity theft insurance include:
* Lost wages for several weeks of work missed if you take time off to deal with the fraud
* Repayment of notary or certified mail costs for the delivery of affidavits.
* Long distance phone costs in conjunction with the fraud
* Attorney fees incurred for dealing with the fraud
Companies Offering Credit Monitoring Services
There are numerous companies that offer credit monitoring services. Most of the services offered are the same or similar, but a few companies having notable differences may make their services more beneficial to individuals. If you’re looking to improve your credit, you want to be sure a credit monitoring service offers an analyser, like Citi Credit Monitoring Service,creditreport.com, TrueCredit, or Identity Guard.
If you want to see results from all credit bureaus, then it’s important that you select a company that provides access to all of the major credit bureaus and not just one. Equifax offers a credit monitoring service, but only for your credit information with Equifax. Each of the credit bureaus may report slightly different information, so you may want to go with a service that can provide access to all 3 of the major credit reports.
Notifications by Credit Monitoring Services
What types of activity will generate a notification or alert from the credit monitoring services? As a member of such a service, you’ll receive notification whenever your address has been changed, a new account has been opened, or when an existing account has been changed. This is extremely valuable information as you will know immediately if someone is attempting to use your good name to obtain financing. Time is of the essence when dealing with credit and identity fraud, and without credit monitoring services, it could be several months before you are aware of fraudulent activities.
Tips for Improving Credit
Most credit monitoring services also provide a host of tools that allow you to see what your credit score is at the current time, as well as steps you can take to improve it. Since credit scores are used to determine whether or not to extend individuals credit and at what interest rate; it’s important that your score be as high as possible.
Citi’s Credit Monitoring Service provides a very useful credit analyser function that allows members to determine the effects of several types of activities on their credit score. For example, if you’re considering applying for a car loan, you can use the analyser to determine how much of an impact applying will have on your score, as well as what would happen if you obtained the loan or applied and were denied the loan.
You can also use the analyser to view how missing a payment or two might effect your score overall, or determine which activities will raise your score the most and how long it will take. Extremely useful for individuals who are working diligently to improve their credit score, the Citi Credit Monitoring Service with credit analyser takes the guesswork out of improving your credit.
Identity Theft Insurance
Many credit monitoring services offer identity theft insurance programs that will reimburse members of the credit monitoring service up to a certain dollar amount if there are instances of fraud. (This service is not available to individuals living in the state of New York.) Typical expenses that are covered by identity theft insurance include:
* Lost wages for several weeks of work missed if you take time off to deal with the fraud
* Repayment of notary or certified mail costs for the delivery of affidavits.
* Long distance phone costs in conjunction with the fraud
* Attorney fees incurred for dealing with the fraud
Companies Offering Credit Monitoring Services
There are numerous companies that offer credit monitoring services. Most of the services offered are the same or similar, but a few companies having notable differences may make their services more beneficial to individuals. If you’re looking to improve your credit, you want to be sure a credit monitoring service offers an analyser, like Citi Credit Monitoring Service,creditreport.com, TrueCredit, or Identity Guard.
If you want to see results from all credit bureaus, then it’s important that you select a company that provides access to all of the major credit bureaus and not just one. Equifax offers a credit monitoring service, but only for your credit information with Equifax. Each of the credit bureaus may report slightly different information, so you may want to go with a service that can provide access to all 3 of the major credit reports.
The Pros and Cons of a Credit Repair Service
Many people choose to utilize a credit repair service in order to help fix their credit score. While this service can be beneficial in some cases, it also has a few drawbacks that you should know about. Here are some of the pros and cons of using a credit repair service.
Pros
One of the biggest advantages of using a credit repair services that you can work with a company that knows how to repair credit. When individuals try to repair their own credit score, there is a good chance that they do not know exactly what they are doing. By contracting with a professional agency, you know that they are going to know how to repair a credit score effectively. Many times, these agencies can significantly increase your credit score within a very short period of time.
Most of these credit repair services also have working relationships with creditors. For example, if you have a lot of credit card debt, the credit repair service may be able to contact them directly and help resolve any issues that you might have with them. As an individual, you may not have the capability to do the same thing on your own.
Whenever you work with a credit repair service, they will be able to sit down with you and help you avoid getting into further credit problems. Many times, they will be able to look at your financial situation and help you come up with a budget that works for you. This way, you can start to live within your means and avoid accumulating more debt in the future.
Cons
One of the biggest disadvantages of this type of service is that you will have to pay them for their services. In some cases, you might have to pay a substantial fee in order for the company to help you out. When you are already having money problems, you might not have any extra money lying around to pay for a credit repair service.
Another problem that you might have with a credit repair service is that there is no way to ensure that they are going to be able to do their job. You might pay them a large sum of money to fix your credit and then they do not follow through with the job. There are some scam companies out there that will take advantage of unsuspecting customers in this situation. It can be very frustrating to invest money in something only to find out that it is not legitimate.
With a credit repair service, you are going to be turning your credit over to an outside agency. They are going to tell you what to do and give you steps to take in order to repair your credit. In order to successfully complete the process, you will have to do exactly as they say. If you are not type of person that likes to be told what to do, this could be a problem for you.
Pros
One of the biggest advantages of using a credit repair services that you can work with a company that knows how to repair credit. When individuals try to repair their own credit score, there is a good chance that they do not know exactly what they are doing. By contracting with a professional agency, you know that they are going to know how to repair a credit score effectively. Many times, these agencies can significantly increase your credit score within a very short period of time.
Most of these credit repair services also have working relationships with creditors. For example, if you have a lot of credit card debt, the credit repair service may be able to contact them directly and help resolve any issues that you might have with them. As an individual, you may not have the capability to do the same thing on your own.
Whenever you work with a credit repair service, they will be able to sit down with you and help you avoid getting into further credit problems. Many times, they will be able to look at your financial situation and help you come up with a budget that works for you. This way, you can start to live within your means and avoid accumulating more debt in the future.
Cons
One of the biggest disadvantages of this type of service is that you will have to pay them for their services. In some cases, you might have to pay a substantial fee in order for the company to help you out. When you are already having money problems, you might not have any extra money lying around to pay for a credit repair service.
Another problem that you might have with a credit repair service is that there is no way to ensure that they are going to be able to do their job. You might pay them a large sum of money to fix your credit and then they do not follow through with the job. There are some scam companies out there that will take advantage of unsuspecting customers in this situation. It can be very frustrating to invest money in something only to find out that it is not legitimate.
With a credit repair service, you are going to be turning your credit over to an outside agency. They are going to tell you what to do and give you steps to take in order to repair your credit. In order to successfully complete the process, you will have to do exactly as they say. If you are not type of person that likes to be told what to do, this could be a problem for you.
How Credit Repair Companies Work
Many credit repair companies offer to fix your credit report errors fast. When you take a close look at their methods, though, you’ll notice that you can do the exact same things on your own for free. Some companies even make you do most of the leg work, which means you don’t really benefit from anything. Here’s what you need to know about how they work so that you can determine whether it’s a service worth paying for.
Obtain Information from You about Errors
Credit repair companies begin the process of disputing errors on your behalf by collecting the necessary information from you. The company you choose will send you copies of your credit reports from all major credit report bureaus and ask you to circle the records that are erroneous. You’ll most likely get a phone interview with a representative to explain why the record is inaccurate or incomplete.
Send Dispute Letters on Your Behalf
The company will then customize a letter template and send the appropriate bureaus credit dispute letters. In the letter, the company will ask for an investigation and for the record to be removed or corrected. It will also submit any documentation that you provided.
Set up Automated Payments
Some credit repair companies also set up automated payments with creditors so that you can work towards paying off your remaining debts. They may or may not try to settle with creditors. That depends on the services they offer.
These are all things that you could be doing yourself, and it may not be worth the expense to pay someone else to do them. The money you save could be put towards paying off your debts.
Obtain Information from You about Errors
Credit repair companies begin the process of disputing errors on your behalf by collecting the necessary information from you. The company you choose will send you copies of your credit reports from all major credit report bureaus and ask you to circle the records that are erroneous. You’ll most likely get a phone interview with a representative to explain why the record is inaccurate or incomplete.
Send Dispute Letters on Your Behalf
The company will then customize a letter template and send the appropriate bureaus credit dispute letters. In the letter, the company will ask for an investigation and for the record to be removed or corrected. It will also submit any documentation that you provided.
Set up Automated Payments
Some credit repair companies also set up automated payments with creditors so that you can work towards paying off your remaining debts. They may or may not try to settle with creditors. That depends on the services they offer.
These are all things that you could be doing yourself, and it may not be worth the expense to pay someone else to do them. The money you save could be put towards paying off your debts.
The 3 Major Credit Bureaus and Why Their Scores Differ
TransUnion, Equifax and Experian are the three major credit bureaus, and they all have different credit scores for each individual with a credit history. The difference in scoring can be confusing because you may not know which one is going to be considered the most by those who are reviewing your credit reports. The three credit bureaus have developed VantageScore in order to make your credit scores easier to understand, but it’s important to know how and why they score your credit they way they do.
Based on Special Scoring Models
Each of the major credit bureaus developed its own scoring model on which it bases all credit scores. As a result, you can get up to a 100-point difference. Here are the ranges to know about:
* Transunion scores range from 300 to 850 points.
* Equifax scores range from 350 to 850 points.
* Experian scores range from 330 to 830 points.
The two commonly used scoring models are called FICO or PLUS.
Data Collection Varies
Creditors may report your information to one or two of the credit bureaus but not to all three. Also, in the process of collecting information, what one of the major credit bureaus ends up with may be far different from the information gathered by the other two. Your financial record has a direct impact on your credit score, and different records will produce different scores. It’s for this reason that lenders and others often average your scores; they are trying to determine a more accurate number.
Check your credit reports for errors and send the major credit report bureaus dispute letters if necessary to make corrections. It may help to bring all three scores closer together.
Based on Special Scoring Models
Each of the major credit bureaus developed its own scoring model on which it bases all credit scores. As a result, you can get up to a 100-point difference. Here are the ranges to know about:
* Transunion scores range from 300 to 850 points.
* Equifax scores range from 350 to 850 points.
* Experian scores range from 330 to 830 points.
The two commonly used scoring models are called FICO or PLUS.
Data Collection Varies
Creditors may report your information to one or two of the credit bureaus but not to all three. Also, in the process of collecting information, what one of the major credit bureaus ends up with may be far different from the information gathered by the other two. Your financial record has a direct impact on your credit score, and different records will produce different scores. It’s for this reason that lenders and others often average your scores; they are trying to determine a more accurate number.
Check your credit reports for errors and send the major credit report bureaus dispute letters if necessary to make corrections. It may help to bring all three scores closer together.
How to Fix Your Credit Score Yourself
The best way to fix your credit score is to start employing good borrowing practices. First, ensure the credit information on your report is correct. Next, take steps to improve the information present. Finally, avoid steps that can actually damage your credit despite having the appearance of financial benefit.
Correct Information
View your credit report at any of the three major agencies. You do not need to know all three as they will likely be very similar. If there is any item reported that you have no knowledge of or believe is incorrect, contact the reporting lender and the credit agency immediately to request correction.
Improve your Score
Once your score is correct, you can take steps to build it up. Take small loans and use your available credit cards where possible. Pay down your balances monthly, and be sure to make all your maintenance payments on time. Instead of paying in cash for small purchases like groceries, consider using a credit card. As long as you repay the balance immediately, the expense will be minimal and the impact for your score will be very beneficial.
Avoid Negative Behavior
Contrary to advertisements, consolidation, refinancing and loan workout plans can actually damage your credit substantially. These options, unless offered in a penalty-free environment, will cause you to lose ground with your credit. Only take these routes if you are in over your head and face default without the help. If you are using a federal program, you may have options without penalties, but this depends on your original loan contracts.
Correct Information
View your credit report at any of the three major agencies. You do not need to know all three as they will likely be very similar. If there is any item reported that you have no knowledge of or believe is incorrect, contact the reporting lender and the credit agency immediately to request correction.
Improve your Score
Once your score is correct, you can take steps to build it up. Take small loans and use your available credit cards where possible. Pay down your balances monthly, and be sure to make all your maintenance payments on time. Instead of paying in cash for small purchases like groceries, consider using a credit card. As long as you repay the balance immediately, the expense will be minimal and the impact for your score will be very beneficial.
Avoid Negative Behavior
Contrary to advertisements, consolidation, refinancing and loan workout plans can actually damage your credit substantially. These options, unless offered in a penalty-free environment, will cause you to lose ground with your credit. Only take these routes if you are in over your head and face default without the help. If you are using a federal program, you may have options without penalties, but this depends on your original loan contracts.
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